Single Component Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Enabled by Copper Chemistry: Introduction of the Retro Cell

Kaushik, Samhita; Adesanya, Michael A.; Hamann, Thomas W.

doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c06413

Title: Single Component Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Enabled by Copper Chemistry: Introduction of the Retro Cell

Journal Article · Fri Mar 07 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · Energy and Fuels

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c06413 · OSTI ID:2528096

Kaushik, Samhita ^[1];

^[1];

^[1]

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (United States)

The possibility of utilizing a single molecule to act as both a chromophore and a redox shuttle in a new configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is investigated. This design, termed a retro cell, exploits the copper chromophore, [Cu(dsbtmp)₂]⁺ (dsbtmp = bis(2,9-di(sec-butyl)-3,4,7,8- tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), which has been shown to have excited state lifetimes in excess of a microsecond, enabling sensitization of TiO₂ while dissolved in solution. The oxidized chromophore can then diffuse to the counter electrode to be regenerated. This concept simplifies the device components and fabrication and eliminates a charge transfer step compared to that of traditional DSSCs. Initial investigations show the concept is viable; however, the performance is suboptimal. We have found the addition of 4-tertbutylpyridine (TBP) to the electrolyte plays a crucial role in enabling solar energy conversion. Evidence of TBP displacing one of the dsbtmp ligands in the oxidized [Cu(dsbtmp)₂]²⁺ complex has been presented, which likely plays an important role in reducing recombination and enabling charge collection. The performance-limiting steps and routes to improved performance and viability of a retro cell are further discussed.

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Research Organization:: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0017342

OSTI ID:: 2528096

Journal Information:: Energy and Fuels, Journal Name: Energy and Fuels Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 39; ISSN 0887-0624

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Single Component Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Enabled by Copper Chemistry: Introduction of the Retro Cell

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